Thoughts - IIM Bangalore : Cultural Analysis

What
is the Culture at IIMB and how is it formed? This is something I wondered about and based on some research documented some of my thoughts. It did help that I had to submit a project report and I could use this topic and corresponding research for that :)

For any organization, more than the physical infrastructures
like buildings and machinery, underlying principles, beliefs, values and vision
of various elements provides a unique identity to the entity. These abstract
aspects of any organization collectively are known as the culture of that
organization. IIM Bangalore as an organization is no exception to this fact.
Buildings with beautiful architecture, state of art class rooms and other
infrastructure is not what makes it such a coveted institute of higher
learning. The accolades and illustriousness that the institute has earned are
more because of the inherent culture of the institute. Ideas vision and
philosophy of faculty and student together make the foundation of this great
institute.

The culture at IIM Bangalore can be considered to be a
balanced mix of various form of culture. These forms can be classified as in
following paragraphs.

Adaptability Culture is first among all the building blocks of the overall
culture of this place. The ceaseless endeavour to gain insight into functioning
and academics of some of the best institutes of the world with international
exposure programmes, keeping up with use of latest technology in teaching
methods and regular updating the curriculum shows the aim of adapting to the
external environment as a means of achieving the goals of the institute.

The whole institute and its elements work tirelessly to
achieve the common goals and vision of the institute. The faculty of IIMB is
constantly imparting the students with capability of being world leaders
capable of handing the complexities that various positions in business and
societies present to managers today. This forms the mission culture of the institute.

Clan culture is one of the foundation stone behind the working of IIM
Bangalore. Every realm of academic and social life involves participation of
faculty and students equally. The existence of academic council, placement
committee and other such components showcase the involvement of students in
various activities of the institute.

Although their exists active involvement of various
elements which make up IIMB, to maintain a consistency in operations and
discipline in functioning there are some administrative offices and positions
which ensure that a processes follow proper procedures and protocols. Strict
guidelines and rules have been laid down. Sacrosanct deadlines and rules
against plagiarism are examples of bureaucratic
culture of IIMB.

All these beliefs and understandings have not developed abruptly.
The integral integration and external adaptation through all these years have
helped grow this institute and develop a niche in the field of management
education. Experiences through the decades of existence of the institute,
suggestions and feedback from various components of the institute and sense of
improvement and competition have helped develop the culture of IIM Bangalore
and turning it into a dynamic and fruitful environment to spend time in where
young mind are made to think as leaders and develop into good citizens.

Various rites, ceremonies and symbols have been a major
contributor of development of culture and transfer of this culture from one
time period to another. New batches of students arrive and join this institute
every year and become a part of its culture. Some of the rites that are part of
IIMB are:

Rites of Passage involve helping transfer of existing culture to new
elements of an organization and are a vital process for sustainability of any
culture. The orientation week where various activities are conducted to
introduce the incoming batch to IIM Bangalore and facilitate interaction among
the new entrants on the campus and with their environment helps them becoming a
part of the culture of IIMB.

Rites of Enhancement are another feature of IIM Bangalore. The elements of
the institute which perform and present high standards in their respective
fields are awarded with accolades and honoured for their contributions.
Students are included in directors merit list and various scholarships are awarded
for academic performance which is a major part of enhancement activities.

Feedbacks regarding the courses taken from students,
interaction with eminent personalities from industry and emphasis laid on
international exposure are a part of broad objective of continuously renewing
the culture with inputs from the environment and internal elements. These rites of renewal make IIM Bangalore a
dynamic and developing culture.

Collaboration among various entities is an important
aspect of any culture and IIMB excels in it. Interactions among students,
student faculty interaction, and interactions between students and
administration are some of the key features of life at IIMB and these are rich
contributors to the culture and serve as rites
of integration within the institute.

Apart from other features of the culture of the institute
lie the ethical values and sense of social responsibility which is deeply
embedded within the members. Student body, called Vikasna, has been involved
with various activities for helping the underprivileged and the destitute. The ‘code
of honour’ developed by the Student Affairs Council further demonstrates the high
moral standards set up by the students for themselves.

These ideological aspects of the institute serve to be
the unifying factor among various elements of the institute. The importance
given to the brand name of IIM Bangalore, and the common feeling of pride with
everyone receives the accolades awarded to the institute is all because of this
cultural strength of the institute.